One of the oldest coins in the collection, this Carthaginian Bronze coin dates to the period 250-210 B.C. The head of Tanit is represented on the obverse, while the head and neck of a horse, a typical feature of Carthaginian coins, can be made out on the reverse. Though not minted in Malta, coins such as these were in circulation in Malta during the period of Carthaginian rule. It is held that they were minted in large quantities in order to pay troops. Tanit was a Phoenician goddess whose cult was spread around the Mediterranean. She has been associated with the goddess Astarte.